Apple to restore mask requirement at Apple Stores Credit: Apple The reimplementation of mask mandates, which will take effect Thursday across the U.S., comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the more infectious Delta variant, According to an internal memo to employees obtained by Bloomberg, Apple will begin requiring masks at more than half of about 270 U.S. Apple Store locations. "After carefully reviewing the latest CDC recommendations, and analyzing the health and safety data for your local area, we are updating our guidance on face masks for your store," Apple wrote in the memo, stating that it is making the change "out of an abundance of caution."